Monday, April 8th, 2013
Jasper Place High School, Global Cafe, 8950 – 163 street (park in the south lot and enter through the Industrial Arts doors)

Call 780-709-7902 if you get lost or need the door opened.

POTLUCK: 6 p.m.

There is not a proper kitchen in this facility, so bring your food ready to serve: hot or cold. There is always plenty, so if you are not able to bring food this time, you can do it next time! Come and enjoy!

Business Meeting : 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Click here for April 2013 Meeting Agenda
AgendaApril2013

Click here for minutes from March 2013 Meeting
MinutesMarch2013

Please note that in all of our bylaws, wherever “written”, or “in writing” occurs, this will be understood to mean written word, and-or electronic forms such as email, electronic newsletter, website, FaceBook page and other social media.

Proposed Revisions to be voted upon by the membership at the AGM, January 2013

Intent: The original Bylaws were crafted using the provincial standard template for societies.

The following provisions are being recommended to:

• reflect customization to Slow Food
• change in the date for the AGM to more appropriately follow after the fiscal year end so that the Treasurer’s yearly report and audited records may be presented then
• reflect move to email and other social media as ways of giving notice
• maintain consistency among all notices of meetings to eight day

Below, the original bylaw is presented, with the proposed revision following, bolded and in italics.

Slow Food Edmonton Association Bylaws

In the following bylaws, that wherever “written”, “in writing” occurs, this will be understood to mean written word, or electronic forms such as email and electronic newsletter supplemented by website, FaceBook page and other social media.

MEMBERSHIP

1      Membership fee, if any, in the society shall be determined, from time to time, by the members at a general meeting.  Any person residing in Canada, and being of the full age of 18 years, may become a member by a favourable vote passed by a majority of the members at a regular meeting of the society, and upon payment of the fee.  Such voting shall be by ballot, unless the meeting by resolution otherwise decides.

Change to:

Membership fee is set and regulated by Slow Food International.  Payment of fees implies consent to membership.  Any person residing in Canada may become a member by a favourable vote passed by a majority of the members at a regular meeting of the society, and upon payment of the fee. The membership list provided by Slow Food International will be approved by simple majority at each Board Meeting.

2      Any member wishing to withdraw from membership may do so upon a notice in writing to the Board through its Secretary.   If any member is in arrears for fees or assessments for any year, such member shall be automatically suspended at the expiration of six months from the end of such year and shall thereafter be entitled to no membership privileges or  powers in the society until reinstated.  Any member upon a majority vote of all members of the society in good standing may be expelled from membership for any cause which the society may deem reasonable.

No proposed changes.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3      Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Board, shall mean the Board of Directors of the society.

Change to:

Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Board, shall mean the Board of Directors of the society and will consist of the President (who shall be commonly known as the Convivium Leader), Vice President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and minimum of three directors to fill the portfolios deemed necessary to respond to the convivium’s business.

4      The Board shall, subject to the bylaws or directions given it by majority vote at any meeting properly called and constituted, have full control and management of the affairs of the society, and meetings of the Board shall be held as often as may be required, but at least once every three months, and shall be called by the President.  A special meeting may be called on the instructions of any two members provided they request the President in writing to call such meetings, and state the business to be brought before the meeting.  Meetings of the Board shall be called by 10 days notice in writing mailed to each member or by three days notice by fax or telephone.  Any four members shall constitute a quorum, and meetings shall be held without notice if a quorum of the Board is present, provided however, that any business transactions at such meeting shall be ratified at the next regularly called meeting of the Board; otherwise they shall be null and void.

Change to:

The Board shall, subject to the bylaws or directions given it by majority vote at any meeting properly called and constituted, have full control and management of the affairs of the society, and meetings of the Board shall be held as often as may be required, but at least once every three months, and shall be called by the President. A special meeting of the Board may be called on the instructions of any two members provided they request the Presidentin writing (electronic communication methods such as email supplemented with social media posts will be accepted in all cases where “in writing” is specified in the bylaws of the society) to call such meetings, and state the business to be brought before the meeting.  Meetings of the Board shall be called by eight days notice by email, fax or telephone. Any four members shall constitute a quorum for Board Meetings, and meetings shall be held without notice if a quorum of the Board is present, provided however, that any business transactions at such meeting shall be ratified at the next regularly called meeting of the Board; otherwise they shall be null and void.

5      A person appointed or elected a director becomes a director if they were present at the meeting when being appointed or elected, and did not refuse the appointment.  They may also become a director if they were not present at the meeting but consented in writing to act as director before the appointment or election, or within ten days after the appointment or election, or if they acted as a director pursuant to the appointment or election.

No Proposed Changes

6      Any director or officer, upon a majority vote of all members in good standing, may be removed from office for any cause which the society may deem reasonable.

No Proposed Changes

PRESIDENT

(Commonly known as CONVIVIUM LEADER)

7.  The President shall be ex-officio a member of all Committees.  He/she shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the society and of the Board.  In his/her absence, the Vice-President shall preside at any such meetings.  In the absence of both, a chairperson may be elected at the meeting to preside.

No proposed changes.

Vice President (Associate Convivium Leader)

1. The Vice President shall be the primary party responsible for operational aspects of the society.  Where the focus of the President is external, engaging community and being the primary source for external messages, the Vice President focuses internally, organizing resources for committees, events, and programs and coordinating such efforts.

Change to:

The Vice President shall be the primary party responsible for operational aspects of the society.  Where the focus of the President is external, engaging community and being the primary source for external messages, the Vice President focuses internally.  Organizing resources for committees, events, and programs and coordinating such efforts. The Vice-President will be nominated for the position of President at the Annual General Meeting following their election as Vice-President.

SECRETARY

8.   It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend all meetings of the society and of the Board, and to keep accurate minutes of the same.  He/she shall have charge of the Seal of the society which whenever used shall be authenticated by the signature of the Secretary and the President, or, in the case of the death or inability of either to act, by the Vice-President.  In case of the absence of the Secretary, his/her duties shall be discharged by such officer as may be appointed by the Board.  The Secretary shall have charge of all the correspondence of the society and be under the direction of the President and the Board.

No proposed changes.

9.  The Secretary shall also keep a record of all the members of the society and their addresses, send all notices of the various meetings as required, and collect and receive the annual dues or assessments levied by the society.  Such monies shall be promptly turned over to the Treasurer for deposit in a Bank, Trust Company, Credit Union or Treasury Branch as required.

Change to:

The Secretary shall also keep a record of all the members of the society and their addresses and send all notices of the various meetings as required. The secretary retains a copy of all meeting minutes and other aspects of the organization for archival purposes.

TREASURER

1. The Treasurer shall receive all monies paid to the society and be responsible for the deposit of same in whatever Bank, Trust Company, Credit Union or Treasury Branch the Board may order.  He/she shall properly account for the funds of the society and keep such books as may be directed.  He/she shall present a full detailed account of receipts and disbursements to the Board whenever requested and shall prepare for submission to the Annual Meeting a statement duly audited of the financial position of the society and submit a copy of same to the Secretary for the records of the society.  The Office of the Secretary and Treasurer may be filled by one person if any annual meeting for the election of officers shall so decide.

No proposed changes.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO BYLAWS

DIRECTORS

Communications Director:

1. a.    Responsible for communicating to membership all notices of various meetings and events as required.
2. b.    Management of social media, website content, newsletter, etc

Philanthropy Director:

1. a.    Responsible for coordinating fund raising efforts to ensure our ability to meet  commitments to Slow Food Canada, special Slow Food International initiatives, etc.

Community Liaison:

1. a.    Point of contact for organizations Slow Food Edmonton interacts with. This may include civic committees, youth/school groups, other not-for profit or food sustainability groups, etc.

AUDITING

11. The books, accounts and records of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be audited at least  once each year by a duly qualified accountant or by two members of the society elected for that purpose at the Annual Meeting.  A complete and proper statement of the standing of the books for the previous year shall be submitted by such auditor at the Annual Meeting of the society.  The fiscal year end of the society in each year shall be January 31  (month & day).

Change to:

The books, accounts and records of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be audited at least  once each year by a duly qualified accountant or by two members of the society elected for that purpose at the Annual Meeting.  A complete and proper statement of the standing of the books for the previous year shall be submitted by such auditor at the Annual Meeting of the society.  The fiscal year end of the society in each year shall be December 31.

1. The books and records of the society may be inspected by any member of the society at the Annual Meeting or at anytime upon giving reasonable notice and arranging a time satisfactory to the officer or officers having charge of same.  Each member of the Board shall at all times have access to such books and records.

No proposed changes.

MEETINGS

13. This society shall hold an annual meeting on or before November 30 in each year, of which notice in writing to the last known address of each member shall be delivered in the mail 3 days prior to the date of the meeting.  At this meeting there shall be elected a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, (or Secretary/Treasurer), and three directors.  The officers and directors so elected shall form a Board, and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed.  Any vacancy occurring during the year shall be filled at the next meeting, provided it is so stated in the notice calling such meeting.  Any member in good standing shall be eligible to any office in the society.

Change to:

This society shall hold an annual meeting on or before February 28 in each year, of which notice in writing to the last known email address of each member shall be delivered 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.  At this meeting there shall be elected a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, (or Secretary/Treasurer), and a minimum of three directors to fill the portfolios deemed necessary to respond to the convivium’s business.  The officers and directors so elected shall form a Board, and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed at the following Annual General Meeting. Any vacancy occurring during the year shall be filled at the next meeting, provided it is so stated in the notice calling such meeting.  Any member in good standing shall be eligible to any office in the society

14. General meetings of the society may be called at any time by the Secretary upon the instructions of the President or Board by notice in writing to the last known address of each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the date of such meeting.  A special meeting shall be called by the President or Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by one-third of the members in good standing, setting forth the reasons for calling such meeting, which shall be by letter to the last known address o each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the meeting.

Change to:

General meetings of the society may be called at any time by the Secretary upon the instructions of the President or Board by notice in writing to the last known email address of each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the date of such meeting, with notice also sent via our electronic newsletter, and posted on the Slow Food Edmonton website and FaceBook page.   A special meeting shall be called by the President or Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by one-third of the members in good standing, setting forth the reasons for calling such meeting, which shall be by email to the last known address of each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the meeting, with notice also sent via our electronic newsletter, and posted on the Slow Food Edmonton website and FaceBook page.

1. 10 members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.

No proposed changes.

VOTING

16.  Any member who has not withdrawn from membership nor has been suspended nor expelled shall have the right to vote at any meeting of the society.  Such votes must be made in person and not by proxy or otherwise.

Change to:

Any member, whose annual fees are paid, shall have the right to vote at any meeting of the society.  Provision will be made for proxy voting, if requested by the member via email to the  President and Secretary three days prior to the meeting date.

REMUNERATION

1. Unless authorized at any meeting and after notice for same shall have been given, no officer, director, or member of the society shall receive any remuneration for his/her services.

No proposed changes.

BORROWING POWERS

1. For the purpose of carrying out its objects, the society may borrow or raise or secure the payment of money in such manner as it thinks fit, and in particular by the issue of debentures, but this power shall be exercised only under the authority of the society, and in no case shall debentures be issued without the sanction of a special resolution of the society.

No proposed changes.

BYLAWS

19.The Bylaws may be rescinded, altered or added to by a “Special Resolution”.

No proposed changes.

v.4

23Jan2013

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As is customarily done at the AGM, the following positions will be open for nominations.  If you, as a member, would like to be part of the Slow Food Edmonton Board, consider the following positions:

Positions that will be voted on by all members:

August 14, 2012

Valerie Lugonja

Cynthia Strawson

Slow Food Edmonton

Dear Valerie, Cynthia and Slow Food Edmonton;

On behalf of the Slow Food Canada Executive, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for hosting this year’s National Meeting of Convivium Leaders.  The weekend was well organized with diverse events and tasting experiences (the urban foraging excursion and subsequent meal was a highlight for us!).

Your fundraising efforts are laudable and we thank you for your contribution of $8,275.00 to Slow Food Canada. This will go a long way towards expanding our communications efforts and linking Canada in a more efficacious way.

Slow Food Edmonton is a leading example of a convivium with passion, resources and will – the will to change the food system, to which we all are committed as members of Slow Food.

Keep up the good work!

Yours truly,

Voula Halliday, Michael Howell

Slow Food Canada Executive

Jasper Place High School, Global Café: 8950-163 street

Potluck:  5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Meeting: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Purpose of Meeting:

• Decision on allocation of Terra Madre Funds,
• determine Terra Madre Day activity,
• nominate members for Board vacancies. (Simple majority needed for decisions.)

Chair: Cynthia Strawson, Convivium Leader

1. Welcome
2. Approve Minutes of April 27 meeting
3. Progress on Action Items
4. Terra Madre 2012 Report
5. Membership  Report
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. DECISION: Terra Madre Funds
8. Event Report
• Terra Madre Day activity
• AGM November 26, 2012
9. Slow Food Canada Report
10. International Philanthropy Report: 1000 Gardens in Africa
11. Ark of Taste Report
12. Nominations for Board Vacancies
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Newsletter Coordinator
• Web Master
• Social Media Coordinator
• AGM Coordinator (short term project)
13. Upcoming Events
• 1,000 Gardens Fundraiser Pig Roast
• AGM
• Terra Madre Day
14. New Business

Next Meeting: Annual General Meeting November 26, 2012

The following minutes from the last general meeting have not yet been approved.

Slow Food Edmonton

Minutes of General Meeting

Room 1, 182 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy

Thursday April 26, 2012

In attendance:

Kevin Kossowan, Anita Jenzena, Tracy Zizek, Eric Frey, Genevive Olivier, Cynthia Stawson, Ming

Franks, Nora Ross, Aditya Raghavan.

Regrets: Valerie Lugonja

1. Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Cynthia Strawson

2, Approvals

Approval of Minutes from previous general meeting, April 17, 2012.

3, Terra Madre

Aditya Raghavan announced the delegates that were chosen by the sub-committee comprising of Cynthia Strawson, Aditya     Raghavan, Kevin Kossowan and Debra Krause.

4. Delegate List:

• Slav Heller (member at large)
• John Schneider (not currently a member)
• Cynthia Strawson (president of SFE)
• Jeffery Senger (not currently a member)
• Mike Kozlowski (not currently a member)

5. Convivium Priorities:

Cynthia Strawson raised the question whether Slow Food Edmonton could ‘approve’ certain farms or organizations and if this would be a possibility in the near future.

6. Membership

• Cynthia Strawson raised awareness on the issue of membership lapses
• Kevin Kossowan and Ming Franks said that there was no easy renewal reminders set up for when a membership lapses.
• The need for a new board member with the responsibility of handling memberships was discussed.
• Cynthia Strawson raised the question of what Slow Food Canada’s role/involvement was in the running of Slow Food Edmonton (what value does Slow Food Edmonton receive from Slow Food Canada, given that a portion of our membership dues collected gets allocated to Slow Food Canada)
• This issue was raised since Slow Food Edmonton is spending a substantial amount of effort towards planning and organizing the National Conference and Gala, with the resulting fund-raised money from the Gala being paid out to Slow Food Canada.

7. Volunteers for tear-down

Cynthia Strawson asked whether any members could volunteer for the tear-down efforts at the end of the gala

8. Volunteers for airport pick-up

• Nora Ross confirmed that she would be able to volunteer for airport pick-up on Thursday, May 3^rd 2012.
• Cynthia Strawson and Kevin Kossowan volunteer for airport pick-up on Wednesday, May 2^nd 2012.

9, Approval of Annual Convivium Report

• The report was handed out to all present at the general meeting
• The report was approved with minor changes.

10. Other Business:

• GEA Home Meeting: Kevin Kossowan talks about the GEA meetings

Greater Edmonton Alliance has a series of house meetings in which someone from the farming/food industry will speak at a person’s house with about 10-12 people in attendance. Kevin Kossowan suggests such an event with Slow Food Edmonton at his place.

• Food in the City

The City of Edmonton event about the local food scene has few details available at the moment.  A series of talks/lectures is expected. Kevin Kossowan informs that the price of the ticket for this event has come down drastically.  Kevin has also registered as an individual participant at the conference and will be representing the interests of a number of different organizations, including Slow Food Edmonton.

• Apple Fest

Kevin Kossowan talks about plans for the Apple Fest. The festival organizers are Slow Food Edmonton members: Kevin Kossowan, Kathryn Joel, Johwanna Alleyne and Amy Beaith. The festival will last for 4-6 weeks in late summer or fall and will try to bring awareness to apple producers, processors, horticulturalists etc. in the city.  The festival will act as a “calendar of events” and would not require Slow Food Edmonton to organize any individual event.  We would use Apple Fest as a conduit to connect consumers with those that work with apples. Members will be able to attend each of the events during this festival.  The prices are yet to be determined but will depend on how much each event involved will charge.

An event plan was submitted by Kevin Kossowan. Cynthia Strawson will forward it to Maria Iocobelli for action.

• Indulgence

Event planning form for Indulgence 2012 was submitted by Tracy Zizek.  Cynthia Strawson will forward it to Maria Iocobelli for action.

Request for an SFE booth with two to three SFE member volunteers to man it. The member volunteers will be able to participate in the Indulgence event, as well. Tracy Zizek will inform SFE on the exact number of volunteers

• Slow Food Edmonton Banner/Poster

Request to print the banner for the National Conference. A simple design was proposed consisting of the SFE logo and the word “welcome” vertically on the page Discussions related to the price and longevity of the banner related to how affordable it would be for SFE. AICT at the University of Alberta was suggested to be one possible source of inexpensive banner printing

11. New Business

• Annual Meeting Schedule was proposed by Cynthia Strawson.  Proposal involved Quarterly meetings with the General Membership, bi-monthly Board meetings with the full 13-person board, and monthly meetings with the Executive (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer). The required quorum to pass a motion on the schedule was not there. Members in attendance were pleased with an annual schedule. Suggestion made that some kind of event/activity should accompany the quarterly General meetings to encourage more members to come out to participate. Possibility of a fixed location was discussed.  Kevin Kossowan suggested the meeting room on the upper storey of the Strathcona branch of EPL.

• Vacancies in Board

Debra Krause has volunteered to join the board and work on the Membership

Nora Ross also expressed interest in a position on the Board, but wanted more information on what the position requires.

Taste Education is a position that is yet to be filled on the Board

Commitment to circulate board positions to membership was made

12. Motion to add

Ming moves that SFE add Cynthia Strawson, President, and Aditya Raghavan, Secretary, as signing officers on the SFE bank account and remove Kathryn Joel, past President, and Johwanna Alleyne, past Secretary, as signing officers on the SFE bank account.

Kevin Kossowan seconds  

A date will need to be set for all 4 signing officers (Cynthia, Aditya, Valerie, and Ming) to meet at the bank to enact the change.

13. Cynthia Strawson moves to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Next General meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 21^st 2012.       

September 9-10, 2012 / Edmonton Expo Centre

Take advantage of this special opportunity for SFE Members to book a position in our popular Farmer’s Market feature area and grow your business with the region’s top foodservice & hospitality trade buyers. Up to 1,250 will attend and they will visit the highly visible Market area near Show Entrance to source out and sample fresh, local, organic and sustainable products.

What is the Alberta Foodservice Expo?    www.AlbertaFoodserviceExpo.ca

AFE is the region’s premier foodservice and hospitality trade event, featuring 200 booths of the industry’s latest products and services, attracting 1,250 of the region’s top chefs, restaurant owners/operators, purchasing agents and other qualified buyers from a variety of foodservice & hospitality environments. AFE includes a variety of exciting show features: local/organic farmer’s market, new product pavilion, CCFCC chef competitions, cooking demonstrations, on-floor educational sessions, AFE Lounge, awards reception, show specials program, enhanced CRFA Pavilion, fashion show, musical entertainment and much more. With the resources of the CRFA as our Event Title Sponsor, and produced by Media Edge – the publishers of CRFN magazine circulated quarterly to over 20,000 foodservice professionals, we have the solid promotional tools needed to maximize industry buyer awareness and ensure success. For 2012, after years of success in Calgary, and numerous requests, we are excited to bring AFE back to Edmonton after a 4 year absence

Recent AFE promo emails:  AFE Promo E-Blast – July 9    AFE Promo E-Blast – July 19   AFE Promo E-Blast – July 30

Farmer’s Market Details/Pricing:  Show Hours: Sun Sept 9 11am-5pm, Mon Sept 10 11:30am-4:30pm

• SFE Members receive a special discount off our standard $1375 10×10 rates, and off our standard $800 8×8 Market area rates. For SFE Members, 8’x 8’ booths within the Farmers Market will cost just $650. Or suppliers may choose to share a table and split the cost of an 8’x 8’ for only $325 each.
• Rates include: floor space, carpet, booth drapes, 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, company name sign, materials handling for move-in & out, and exhibitor listing on show website and in the Show Guide distributed onsite.
• Participants will also receive complimentary pre, at and post event publicity through our Farmer’s Market promotions in AFE e-blasts, on the show website, in CRFN magazine, and more.
• The Farmer’s Market is in a prominent location close to Show Entrance and to the CRFA Pavilion, for maximum visibility and buyer traffic. See Farmer’s Market area:  AFE 2012 Floor Plan                                       

Market positions are limited! The Farmer’s Market accommodates only 19 8×8’s in total, with positions reserved on a first-come basis. To book, just click on the following link and email or fax back the completed contract with your location choices in order of preference: AFE 2012 Exhibitor Details    

For further information, contact:                                                                                

Richard Swayze 1-866-216-0860 ext. 246   [email protected]                                                          

or Ellen Scanlan 1-877-755-1938 ext. 102   [email protected]                                                                                                                                                                                       

With AFE approaching in just 4 weeks, we hope you can take advantage of this special offer, and we look forward to your response!